We recently hosted an informative webinar on gas safety in healthcare sterile processing, featuring special guest George Meade, president and owner of MedBrokers. This session was specifically tailored for sterile processing professionals and provided essential insights to enhance facility safety and compliance.
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For the full slide deck, head here to download.
In this webinar, we covered:
– Case Study Analysis: Real-world examples where gas detection systems played a critical role in ensuring safety.
– Exposure Risks: Detailed understanding of specific gas hazards and their effects in sterile environments.
– Regulatory Compliance: Updates on the latest OSHA standards to help ensure your facility remains compliant.
– Advanced Detection Technologies: Exploration of top solutions in gas detection to protect your team and operations.
If you missed the live event, now is your chance to catch up on these valuable insights. Watch the full webinar to improve your knowledge of gas safety in healthcare!
Webinar Summary: Toxic Gas Detection and Health Sterilization Applications
Introduction
Hello everyone, my name is Will Balon, a sales engineer for Interscan Corporation. Today, we’ll be discussing toxic gas detection in health sterilization applications.
Overview of Interscan
Interscan provides user-friendly and specialized gas detection instruments focusing on trace-level toxic gases.
Challenges in Sterilization
Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
- Health Risks: Skin and eye irritation, dizziness, respiratory issues, long-term exposure linked to cancer.
- Environmental Impact: Contributes to pollution and is heavily regulated.
- Regulatory Challenges: Compliance requires costly safety measures.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
- Residue Concerns: May leave residues on equipment.
- Material Compatibility: Limited suitability with certain materials, can degrade over time.
- Regulatory Compliance: Requires specialized equipment due to OSHA and EPA regulations.
Peracetic Acid (PAA)
- Corrosiveness: Can corrode materials over time.
- Odor and Irritation: Strong odor, potential respiratory and eye irritation.
- Regulatory Compliance: Requires rigorous monitoring and control measures.
Guest Speaker: George Meade
George Meade, owner of Med Brokers, shares his extensive experience in healthcare sterilization, presenting three case studies on the importance of proper gas detection.
Case Study 1: Supply Chain Safety
A large supply chain company specializing in medical products faced employee reluctance to handle products treated with EtO. Implementing Interscan portable EO monitors and annual employee education reduced apprehension and ensured a safer working environment without affecting turnaround times.
Case Study 2: Hospital Network and H2O2
A hospital network implemented permanent Interscan H2O2 monitors after an employee was injured. The collaborative approach to gas detection, including an SOP and training, prevented further incidents.
Case Study 3: Spacecraft Recovery
NASA uses Interscan portable hydrazine monitors to ensure safe recovery of astronauts and spacecraft by detecting toxic hydrazine levels before the recovery crew approaches.
Risks Associated with Sterile Processing
Examples of Incidents
- Sterigenics (Atlanta): $35 million settlement due to long-term health exposures.
- Warehouse Off-Gas Exposure: Sterilized medical devices releasing EtO during storage.
- BD Facility (Conyers, Georgia): Legal action due to significant EtO release.
Focus on Hydrogen Peroxide
- PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): 1 PPM over eight hours.
- IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health): 75 PPM.
- Advantages: Breaks down into water and oxygen, safer than EtO.
- Applications: Used for sterilizing heat and moisture-sensitive medical devices.
Focus on Ethylene Oxide
- PEL: 1 PPM over eight hours.
- IDLH: 800 PPM.
- Applications: Sterilizes heat and moisture-sensitive items, including medical instruments and surgical dressings.
- Health Risks: Causes respiratory discomfort, long-term exposure linked to cancer and other serious health issues.
Focus on Peracetic Acid
- PEL: No set limit yet.
- IDLH: Proposed limit of 0.5 PPM.
- Applications: Effective sterilizing agent with strong antimicrobial properties.
- Health Risks: Eye, respiratory, and skin irritation.
OSHA and Environmental Regulations
- OSHA: Sets exposure limits for toxic gases.
- EPA: Regulates emissions, especially greenhouse gases.
Preventing Injuries, Exposures, and Fines
Detection Options
- Portable Gas Detection (GasD 8000 Series)
- Features: Integral sample pump, rechargeable battery, digital readout, data logging, and alarm.
- Fixed Gas Detection (AccuSafe)
- Features: Monitors up to 10 sensors, remote interrogation, data storage, and communication capabilities.
Setting Up a Gas Detection System
- Considerations: Internal requirements, environmental factors, and the need for portable or fixed systems.
- Training and Support: Interscan provides comprehensive training and support for the proper use and maintenance of gas detection systems.
Q&A Session Highlights
Common Issues and Solutions
- Interfering Vapors: Alcohol and other substances can affect readings; proper training is essential to manage these issues.
- Sensor Longevity: Regular replacement and calibration are crucial, especially after exposure to high levels of gases.
System Capabilities
- Monitoring Multiple Areas: AccuSafe can monitor multiple rooms and different gases with separate modules.
- Battery Life: Portable detectors have an eight-hour battery life.
Future-Proofing
- Scalability: AccuSafe is customizable and scalable to accommodate future changes in sterilization practices and gases.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining our webinar. If you have further questions, please contact us directly. We look forward to working with you on your gas detection needs.